Ahoy JSCA Members:
Here is what's "in the wind", coming events and items of interest at the Jericho Sailing Centre, Vancouver's Ocean Access Community Centre, for November 14-20, 2008 and beyond:

The Good,
Robertson Champions Jericho
Vancouver Park Board Vice-chair Ian Robertson, pictured here starting the 2008 Canadian Outrigger Championships, is a strong supporter of low cost, non-motor powered ocean access for Vancouverites through the Jericho Sailing Centre.

the Bad,
Marty's Marina
At the Park Board Planning meeting in June 2008 Vancouver Park Board Planning Chair Marty Zlotnik stated that sailors in Vancouver are over served and he favours the development of a large marina facility catering to power boaters right next to the Jericho Sailing Centre.

and the Ugly.
Sea Otter's Breath
Jericho Sailing Centre Association General Manager Mike Cotter grows whiskers after appearing to comment on Park Board Candidates on the eve of the 2008 civic election. Mike's opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the JSCA or its Board of Directors.

Kayak to Work Week November 17-23
The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition is encouraging Vancouverites to participate in "Bike to Work Week" November 17-23, 2008. You can register under your workplace or scroll down to JSCA (Jericho Sailing Centre Association) and ad yourself to our organization's registration - either way VACC's program will calculate the amount of pollution you don't put into the air. For more information and to register pedal over to: www.vacc.bc.ca/biketowork

Time to Check Your Boat
Thursday's wind storm ripped through the Jericho Sailing Centre compound send some boats flying, loosening tarps, boat covers and poorly stowed gear. JSCA staff contacted the owners of the most obviously affected craft however the next storm could turn a tarp loosened by this past storm into a spinnaker turning your boat into a flying projectile. Members are responsible for ensuring they have "battened down the hatches" on their equipment stored at the Jericho Sailing Centre and checking their craft after gnarly windstorms. We encourage you to check your craft regularly year round, remove any parts or equipment that can be easily removed (most thefts occur between Oct.-April) and make sure water doesn't collect inside your hull (if it freezes and expands it can cause major damage).

Donate to the Disabled Sailing Association Floating Dock Fund
Are you considering making a charitable donation this year? Did you know that the first Disabled Sailing Association in Canada here at the Jericho Sailing Centre is now one of 40 in our country and the only one without a floating dock facility? In 2008 the DSA launched 800-900 sails here from the Jericho Sailing Centre but many more people were left on shore due to inaccessibility of ramp launched craft at lower tides. A dock facility would effectively increase their capacity by 50% allowing more people to escape their earthly bonds and experience the freedom of sailing over the sea.

The Disabled Sailing Association has set up a designated fund to assist with financing a new dock facility. It is now possible for people to make donations and receive charitable receipts via the DSA website at www.disabilityfoundation.org/dsa Click "Donate Now through Canada Helps" under "Fund/Designation" click "Jericho Floating Dock Project". A charitable tax receipt will be sent via email. For more information you can contact Duane Geddes at the Disability Foundation (604)688-6464.

JSCA November Office Hours
0900H-1700H everyday. Gates open at 0700H and are locked at Dusk. (approx. 1630H).

Upcoming JSCA Meetings:
Planning/Operations November 18 @ 1900H
Ad Hoc Fundraising November 24 @ 1900H
Annual Fleet Planning November 25 @ 1900H
Food & Beverage November 26 @ 1900H
Board December 9 @ 1900H

On the Water, Your Safety is Your Responsibility
A reminder to members who play on the bay at this time of year-place an extra emphasis on boat safety for yourself and your crew. Jericho Rescue and other boaters are notably scarce at this time of the year so you must take extra care to ensure a safe on water session. It starts with a check of the weather forecast and tidal activity. Let a friend or family member know you are going, where you are going and when you expect to be back on shore (follow-up with an après sailing phone call). Do a meticulous pre-launch check of your craft and equipment. Recognize when conditions are beyond your ability and choose not to launch. Make sure you are properly dressed-wetsuit/drysuit/hat/booties/gloves-including your PFD. Double check your safety equipment-paddles, bailer, whistle, flares. Know when the sun is setting and understand that the wind often shuts off abruptly in the hour before sunset. Don't go farther from shore than you care to paddle back if you or your equipment should fail or the wind shuts off.
One final tip: enclose your fully charged cell phone in two sealed sandwich bags and keep on your person. In the event of a sea disaster you can't solve yourself, dialing *311 will put you in touch with the Canadian Coast Guard's Rescue Coordination Centre.
Fair winds,
Mike

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